Tight on Cash? 15 Free Ways to Refresh Your Look Now

Being in a wardrobe rut is no fun, especially when you want a fresh, exciting look for the upcoming new year. But when you can’t afford to splurge on a new dress or pair of shoes, just take a deeper look in your own closet. You’ll be surprised to find out that with a few simple tricks, you can totally revive your look.

Keep reading for our tips on how to refresh your look for free.

Throw Your Jacket Over Your Shoulders

Heavy winter coats and jackets tend to cover up the outfit you worked so hard to put together. Instead, try this trick and simply drape your cover-up over your shoulders so you can stay warm and show off your look.

Mix and Match Your Best Pieces

If you have a few favourites in your closet that you always seem to gravitate to separately, but have never worn together, try it out. You never know when you’ll find a new combination you love.

Take Advantage of Your Accessories

This might be an obvious one, but it’s often easy to forget what a difference a cool necklace or pair of earrings can make.

Find a Style Icon to Gather Inspiration From

We’re not saying to copy someone’s look entirely, but sometimes when you’re in a style rut, finding inspiration from a maverick will encourage you to mix pieces from your wardrobe that you wouldn’t have put together on your own.

Tuck Your Hair Into Your Top/Scarf

Unless you already have shorter hair, tucking your hair into your top (this works especially well if it’s a turtleneck!) or scarf creates a new look by giving the illusion that you have shorter hair. That lob you’ve been wanting to try doesn’t have to be so permanent after all!

Wear a Purse Over Your Coat

We’ve spotted street style stars experimenting with this trick lately. All you have to do is make sure your bag’s on the smaller side and wear it as a cross-body, placing it in the center of your body rather than on the side. It’s a fun way to show off your best carrier.

Mix Prints & Textures

Nothing looks more fashionable than a girl who knows how to perfect an intriguing mix of prints and textures. This gives your look an instant editorial vibe.

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Go for a Head-To-Toe Colour Ensemble

A monochrome look is sleek, streamlined, and chic, especially when done in white, black, or grey.

Cuff Your Jeans

Before you leave the house, cuff your jeans either slightly or with a few rolls. We love this Jenna Lyons-inspired look.

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Embrace Your Basics

If you have a leather skirt or other leather item that feels too dressy to wear on an everyday basis, pair it with a basic piece, like a t-shirt or knit turtleneck, and you’re set to wear it to a casual event.

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DIY Distress Your Jeans

There are so many tutorials on how to distress your own jeans. If you have the sudden urge to buy a new pair, check your closet first to see if there are any you own that you don’t mind experimenting on.

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Tuck in Your Shirt

A simple shirt tuck gives you a more polished vibe. It can be a sloppy tuck for a more carefree look, or a neat tuck that’s more severe—either way, it’ll elevate your ensemble.

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Hold Your Smaller Bag Like a Clutch and Let the Strap Hang

Another seriously cool look is to hold your smaller bag like a clutch and let the strap hang down. It’s an unexpected way to hold your carrier, which will help make it feel brand new again.

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Mix Dressier Pieces With Casual Items

Beaded tops and denim? A match made in heaven. Sneakers teamed with a tulle skirt? Go for it!

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Expose Your Socks

No need to make sure your socks are perfectly hidden. Exposing them—especially if you’re wearing a fun, printed pair—adds a playful element to your look. The trick works with skirts, dresses, shorter pants, and even over tights.Have you ever felt that your look needed a refresh? Let us know in the comments below!